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Tag Archive for: Conserving Carolina

Building Resilience

News, Sustainability

Habitat for Humanity’s Role in Restoring the French Broad River Floodplain

When we think about building a home, we often focus on the structure: sturdy walls, a safe roof, and a welcoming front porch. But the home’s surrounding environment plays a critical role in the health and safety of the people living there, especially when water is involved.

For the families at Dodd Meadows, our community in East Flat Rock, the river that runs alongside the neighborhood has long been part of the landscape. But until recently, it wasn’t necessarily a friendly neighbor.

Years of human intervention (straightening streams, draining wetlands, building too close to the banks, etc.) had stripped the river of its natural ability to manage flooding. The land couldn’t absorb heavy rain like it once did, and the water, with nowhere else to go, rushed downstream fast and high. After Hurricane Helene, floodwaters surged up to 15 feet above normal levels in some parts of the county. That kind of water doesn’t just disappear. It looks for somewhere to go.

That’s where the science of floodplain restoration comes in, and where our partnership with Conserving Carolina began.

A Partnership for Resilience

Working together, Henderson County and Thermal Belt Habitat for Humanity and Conserving Carolina have revitalized the stretch of river and floodplain beside Dodd Meadows. Instead of forcing the water to conform to manmade expectations, the project embraced the river’s natural behavior. The project involved restoring the winding path, reintroducing native plants to strengthen the banks, and carving out low-lying areas to give water a place to slow down and settle in heavy storms.

This isn’t just about beautifying the landscape, though that’s a lovely side effect. It’s about giving the river room to breathe so that neighborhoods like Dodd Meadows don’t bear the brunt of the next major storm.

A Path to Community and Nature

Today, the restored area doesn’t just serve an ecological purpose. It has become a gathering space for residents. A new walking path winds through the restored riverbank, offering neighbors a peaceful place to walk, relax, and connect with nature and each other.

As Linda Saturno, Executive Director of Henderson County Habitat for Humanity, shared with PBS North Carolina,

“Before Conserving Carolinas came in, this was not somewhere you wanted to go… [now] we have families that go down and walk on the trail. Children play in the creek. The mental health of children when they have green spaces is better as adults. It’s really a great surrounding of the community.”

That’s what we mean when we talk about building more than homes. At Henderson County and Thermal Belt Habitat, we believe a thriving community includes access to safe housing, green spaces, and the natural world. Thanks to this project, Dodd Meadows now has all three.

Looking Ahead

As climate change makes extreme weather more common, partnerships like this one become even more vital. The restoration at Dodd Meadows is just one example of how affordable housing, environmental responsibility, and strong local partnerships can work hand-in-hand.

By giving the river space, we’ve given families room to thrive.

For more information on the floodplain restoration efforts, you can read the full article by PBS North Carolina here: Bringing Back the Floodplain. You can also watch the PBS North Carolina report below.

https://www.habitat-hvl.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/4a6d9862f2_08-dodd-meadows-walking-path-1920x1080-1.jpg 1080 1920 integritive https://www.habitat-hvl.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2024-black-logo.png integritive2025-04-17 10:52:102025-04-17 14:01:32Building Resilience

Buzzing with Excitement

News, Sustainability

A Community Apiary Comes to Dodd Meadows

Henderson County Habitat for Humanity is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Conserving Carolina and the Henderson County Beekeepers Association (HCBA) to establish a community apiary in the heart of the Dodd Meadows neighborhood. This apiary won’t just be a sanctuary for bees—it will serve as a hub for education, sustainability, and community involvement.

Michelle Tennant, President of the HCBA, shared her enthusiasm:

“The apiary isn’t just a bee sanctuary. It’s also going to be a hotspot for learning and community involvement. We’ll be hosting workshops, demos, and all sorts of bee-related shenanigans!”

With the support of local organizations like Conserving Carolina, this project aligns with broader conservation efforts in Henderson County, creating not only a safe haven for bees but also opportunities for residents to engage with nature and learn about the vital role bees play in our ecosystem.

Why Bees?

Bees are essential to pollination, contributing to the growth of flowers, vegetables, and fruit. Unfortunately, bee populations have been declining due to factors like habitat loss and pesticide use. By building an apiary in Dodd Meadows, the community will actively participate in protecting these vital pollinators while also reaping the benefits of their work in local gardens and green spaces.

Get Involved!

The apiary will offer a variety of events for all ages, from beekeeping workshops to honey-harvesting demonstrations. It’s a unique way to bring together residents, students, and anyone interested in sustainability. Whether you’re a seasoned beekeeper or someone curious about bees, you’ll find a welcoming environment to learn and grow alongside your buzzing neighbors.

Stay tuned for upcoming events at the Dodd Meadows apiary and join us in this exciting new chapter for Henderson County Habitat for Humanity. Together, we’re making a sweet difference—one bee at a time.

https://www.habitat-hvl.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Bees.jpg 600 1200 integritive https://www.habitat-hvl.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2024-black-logo.png integritive2024-09-09 12:12:072024-09-24 17:14:01Buzzing with Excitement

A Natural Success

News, Sustainability

Habitat for Humanity Partners with Conserving Carolina at Dodd Meadows

In East Flat Rock’s Dodd Meadows community, families are building more than just homes—they’re fostering a deeper connection to nature. With the help of Habitat for Humanity and Conserving Carolina, the neighborhood has undergone an inspiring transformation. In addition to energy-efficient homes and affordable mortgages, residents now have access to revitalized natural spaces, including a newly restored stream and walking trails.

Habitat’s CEO Linda Saturno emphasizes,

“We’re providing more than houses. Nature is key to community success.”

The restoration of Bat Fork Creek, funded by grants from the NC Department of Public Safety, has transformed a once-degraded area into a vibrant ecosystem. This project improves water quality, reduces flood risks, and creates a safe, natural space where families can walk, play, and learn about the environment. Native trees, wildflowers, and wildlife are returning, offering both beauty and educational opportunities for children to grow up with a sense of environmental stewardship.

Conserving Carolina continues to support the community through workshops and initiatives, such as the revitalization of a community garden, educational hiking workshops, and future beekeeping projects. As Linda Corns, Habitat’s marketing director, points out,

“Many children would not have access to such spaces without this partnership.”

Through the joint efforts of Habitat for Humanity and Conserving Carolina, Dodd Meadows is becoming a model for sustainable, nature-connected living. It’s not just about providing affordable housing—it’s about creating a holistic environment where both people and nature can thrive.

 

https://www.habitat-hvl.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/dodd2.jpg 600 1200 integritive https://www.habitat-hvl.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2024-black-logo.png integritive2024-09-09 12:11:582024-09-24 17:14:01A Natural Success

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Henderson County & Thermal Belt Habitat for Humanity is pledged to the letter and spirit of the U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. 

We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to becoming a homeowner due to race, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.

Office Locations

Hendersonville Administration Office

1111 Keith St, Hendersonville, NC 28792
(828) 694-0340 | Fax: (828) 696-9657
Mon-Fri: 8:30am – 5:00pm | Sat / Sun: Closed

Thermal Belt Administration Office

40 E. Mills St. PO Box 247 Columbus, NC 28722
(828) 393-6494 | Tue – Fri: 9:00am – 2:00pm
Sat / Sun: Closed

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Join us for our Community Builders Breakfast!

Henderson County and Thermal Belt Habitat for Humanity

is holding our annual event featuring breakfast, networking, and a chance to learn about affordable housing.

Friday, June 20th, 8:00am – 9:30am

Kanuga Conference Center, Hendersonville

Click the button to learn more and reserve your free spot.

Together We Rebuild!

Habitat for Humanity of Henderson County and Thermal Belt

is dedicated to helping our area rebuild after the devastation of

Hurricane Helene in the Fall of 2024 – no matter how long it takes.

We need your help and donations to continue this work.